Senate Democrats elect Chuck Schumer as minority leader

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 26: Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) deliovers remarks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Senate Democrats elect Chuck Schumer as minority leader

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 26: Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) deliovers remarks on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON — Senate Democrats have elected Chuck Schumer to be their new minority leader when Congress convenes in January. The New Yorker will be Washington’s most powerful Democrat as the party confronts an all-Republican government led by Donald Trump.

Democrats unanimously picked Schumer at a closed-door meeting Wednesday. He will succeed Harry Reid, the combative Nevada Democrat who is retiring in January after 30 years in the Senate.

Republicans will control the White House, the House and Senate.

Republicans will have a 52-48 edge in the Senate. Democrats will have some leverage because on important issues, they’ll likely force Republicans to garner 60 votes to end filibusters.

It won’t always be possible for Schumer to keep Senate Democrats together because many will seek re-election in two years from GOP-leaning states.

Meanwhile, the Washington Post reports Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin will serve as the Minority Whip, Sen. Elizabeth Warren will serve as the Vice Chair of Conference and Sen. Bernie Sanders will serve as the Chair of Outreach.